A present for the littlest patients

19/03/2016

Plaat Detail has made 33 unique book carousels using Formica laminate. The carousels are designed to act as mobile libraries and are a gift to the children’s wards of Estonian hospitals. The project was launched by the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre and the ‘Help the Kids’ charity fund. The metal parts and wheels of the carousels were made by Plaat Detail’s partner ASSI, a metal company.

“When designing the carousels we kept in mind the requirements of hospitals, and we wanted them to be as child-friendly as possible,” said Jaen Uussalu, a member of the board of Plaat Detail. “The unique round shape and cheerful look of the carousels was developed by Kätlin Pesur, a student from the Estonian Academy of Art, and we then improved on it together. We took into account their usability in hospital rooms and lifts, strict safety rules and capacity.”

High-pressure Formica laminate is well-suited to hospital furniture as it is highly durable, easy to clean, resistant to chemicals and antibacterial. Formica laminate also has the certificates required for use in hospitals.

10 of the carousels were presented to Tallinn Children’s Hospital on 15 April with the help of Estonia’s First Lady and patron of the ‘Help the Kids’ fund, Evelin Ilves. The remaining 23 carousels will be delivered to the other children’s wards in hospitals around the country during May.